On 24 April 2020, the Netherlands COVID-19 Emergency Act (Verzamelwet COVID-19) took effect. This Act gives the police the power to take a mouth swab of saliva from any person who intentionally spits or coughs at or on a police officer, with the purpose of testing this person for COVID-19.   

Regardless of whether the person is tested positive for COVID-19, the Public Prosecutor's Office is prosecuting any persons who intentionally spit or cough on other people while claiming to have COVID-19 for (attempted) aggravated assault. 

Separately, a man was jailed in the UK for spitting at police while claiming he had coronavirus. 

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